Disproportionately Disadvantaged: A Narrative Literature Review Into How External Stressors and Stigmas Impact and Affect a LGBTQ+ High School and College Student's Mental Health and Education

The LGBTQ+ community faces many stressors in educational, societal, and professional contexts. It is important to understand the factors that affect the lives of LGBTQ+ high school and college students, as they can impact their educational quality. This thesis will explore and identify the structures in place that affect the mental health of LGBTQ+ students which range from a lack of medical support to how stigmatization and violence impact mental health. This is a narrative literature review that aims to review, critique, and synthesize the literature of 26 academic journal articles. This thesis found that LGBTQ+ students were scared to go to their families, their school counselors, and live out and proud by showing affection to those they love. The structural inequities that LGBTQ+ students face impact their education and livelihood due to bullying, stigma, and harassment. The findings indicate a need for adequate training for LGBTQ+ health professionals, studies that span across schools in an entire country, and additional research surrounding underrepresented identities.